His stellar performances at youth level and a forward shortage culminated in Owls head coach Carlos Carvalhal naming him in his matchday squad for the trip to Reading just under a fortnight ago. Hirst, the son of Wednesday legend David, made his league debut as a second half substitute in Berkshire.

And the England Under-18 international has been on the bench in the Owls’ last two matches against Barnsley and Rotherham United.

Academy manager Dean Ramsdale told The Star: “I would be surprised if we let George out. We see his development with us and training with the first-team.

“We see his development playing for the Under-18s and U23s but ultimately that could change.”